Old man raised his boy to be his own Happy days they had when he was young But now he's gone a-fighting far away Father, will you meet him when he comes home? His room down the hall still looks the same With the toys you gave him when he was young But you sold your flesh and blood, your name To the fools that sit in Washington Father, you gave your boy away Father, your boy is gone You taught him to be kind and feel no shame You brought him up to be a man But now his strength and kindness are gone You are old and weak, yet you remain Father, you gave your boy away Father, your boy is gone Meet him at the station today The flag he bore is laid upon his breast Carry him and lay him in his grave Your sweet love, laid to rest Father, you gave your boy away Father, your boy is gone Father, you gave your boy away Father, your boy is gone